Wow. I consider myself a fairly intereactive member of the boards, but I hadn't checked this thread since page 3 or so. Talk about prize support in general usually turns me off, and discussion had gone down that path so I backed off the topic. Since then though it has erupted into a plethora of very interesting points, very good information, and most importantly a written testament showing that there are players from around North America at least (I'm sure there are some cross ponders that would equally comment as well) that really care about the welfare of this game.
Not that I didn't know that already, just that it is always refreshing to see it renewed and updated and with commentary from a large (and growing) group of individuals that I have a great deal of respect for. In fact, even Shinji, someone whom I am always on roller coaster terms with (well a tame roller coaster that doesn't ever get that high up... but you know what I mean) has contributed positively to this thread. And no, despite the preceding, I am not that surprised, it is easy to see he loves this game as much as the next forum-goer.
First, I'd like to say just that. Namely, if you count the number of players that don't really get all forum happy, and many of whom are very much lovers of this game, then you get an even better idea of how the game is growing in health relative to where it was at this time last year. There is a clear sense of optimism from most parts of the community, even if it is shaded by past experience or personal dislike for this or that.
As active as I try to be, I know I am just one person, and a fairly off-center person to boot. What does that mean? Well it means that I am in Calgary Alberta, I;m not near Brian (who is really the biggest Canadian advocate/communication-piece re: the game), I'm not near Toronto or that general Eastern Canada area (which is truly where the majority of players with a past winning/competitive history are found), and I'm relatively new to the game (mid 2008 start whereas many of the posters here have much more experience with UFS in its different shapes and forms than I).
What I can say though, is that the Calgary playgroup has grown since I started playing. When I first came to start playing we had a failry isolated group of players, very few of them participated or even read the forums, and even fewer had ever played against players from anywhere East of Winnipeg. What we have now is a group of players that is enamoured with the new standard format, we typically see local tournies with at least 2X what we saw regularly this time last year (one store more than another, but this is a location and timing thing). We also have players that are very cognizant of the worldwide UFS playgroup, players that they've met during travels with me, or that they have heard of from me, or that they have met while online now that they see the benefit of coming to the forums and participating or at least reading about what is going on. Our playgroup continues to grow, and it does so almost entirely due to the efforts of our Scout and the programs he runs and time he dedicates to helping new players, both acquire cards and enter at the right level of play.
I suppose I thought it would help to explain where I am coming from, 1) becuase Darklogos referenced me as being a fairly strong advocate of the boards, ffg, and the game in general, and 2) becuase I think it is easy to lose perspective on who/what different people are/experience granted we are separated by thousands of miles in many cases.
What I see right now is a game that is experienceing a 2nd infancy. The game is in the stages of having a second chance to attract new players, what with a fairly small standard card base, kits and product that is extremely effective at getting players enough cards to be competitive and for a very reasonable price, and with players that have a lot of energy coming back to the game and sharing their thoughts wholely and without abandon on the public forum.
What does this mean for us interested parties? It means very much what Vik has said. This is the time to dedicate to finding new players, and focusing on that aspect of the game. The store championships provide a very tangible target for players to test their worth, and this is the perfect time to promote the game in your area with and around this event.
This is also a very important time for players to interact with their store owners and fellow players. There is product on the shelf, whether it be new stuff, or lots of old stuff that just hasn't moved. Organize events! Have everyone toss in 10-15$ and run sealed drafts with the old stuff to support your store, have everyone discuss what standard decks they are playing and why or why not they are fun and exciting. Have players share their thoughts and ambitions on these forums. But most importantly, make sure you are having fun.
It's been said countless times here, and I think I like Ivy's and Goo's posts the best. UFS is more about the people than it is about the cards. We have a 'decent' sized player base, and many players that play becuase it is fun to be with other people and to challenge themselves with the cards as an interlude. We don't have big prizes, but I do see them growing, and largely in part to the efforts of pro-tour and others to explain to FFG what the players want at events and why. We don't have players that are here 'just' to win. We don't have childish or stupid cards or cartoons backing our decisions. And we have a fairly balanced game at the moment. There isn't 'one' card that everyone is always chasing after, there aren't many money cards in standard. This is a very unique card game, and that is what we have to sell it as to new players. A refreshing experience, fast paced but room for matches of wits, risk and reward, and players that are there to play as well as hang out after or before games whether it be to play a fighting game or two or just talk and have fun. This is what is unique about UFS, and this is why we will continue to play it, why I will continue to invest money and time to travelling and communicating on the forums, and why I will encourage others to do the same.
- dut